GOOD AFTERNOON FROM PIRAEUS
Welcome to our live coverage of the Europa League clash between Arsenal and Benfica at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.
The Gunners will look to punch their ticket to the competition’s round of 16 after drawing 1-1 in the away fixture at the Olimpico last week.
But manager Mikel Arteta may have to do it without star midfielder Thomas Partey, who is facing a late fitness test due to a hamstring problem.
If Partey is found to be unfit then Dani Ceballos is the likeliest replacement to team up with Granit Xhaka in midfield, while Kieran Tierney look set to return at left-back in Cedric Soares’ place.
Arsenal are definitely going to be missing Rob Holding, who was substituted during Sunday’s defeat to Manchester City due to a concussion.
Benfica manager Jorge Jesus is likely to revert from his 3-5-2 formation for something more attack-minded as the Portuguese giants will have to score at least one goal to advance to the last 16.
But the Eagles are going to be without Jardel and Andre Almeida, who are dealing with a muscle and ligament injury respectively.
Therefore, Jesus is likely to deploy a 4-4-2 formation with Darwin Nunez and Luca Waldschmidt leading the attack